Page 136 of That’s My Orc, Tusk Off

Laina met us at the door, Sofia perched on her shoulder.

“Big day,” she said.

“Yes.”

“This is going to be amazing.”

Willa grinned. “We’ve been over the plan seventeen times. There’s no other outcome available but amazing.”

“Eighteen,” I said.

“See?” Willa gestured at me. “He agrees.”

Laina laughed. “The kids are going to love you both.”

The first bus arrived at nine thirty, releasing a flood of tiny humans who pointed at everything and asked questions before their teacher and chaperone parents could organize them into anything resembling the small groups we’d planned on.

Ms. Collins strode over to us, phone in hand, her hair a bit mussed. But she was smiling.

“Thank you for having us,” she said.

“We’re excited to share the creatures with them,” Willa said.

I nodded and opened my tablet, pulling up the schedule.

“The first group will start with the bloombacks,” I said. “Then move to⁠—”

“Traig.” Willa’s hand on my arm stopped me. “They just got here. Let them look around first.”

The teacher smiled. “That would be wonderful.”

Children scattered like fizzlings, drawn to the nearest enclosure where Gerald grazed. Gerald lifted his head, studied them, and went back to eating grass. Assigned parents followed, keeping the children organized.

“Is he friendly?” a girl asked.

“Very,” Brovish said, joining them. “His name is Gerald. Would you like to meet him?”

They all nodded, unable to look away from the snugglethorn.

Brovish opened the gate and led Gerald out. The children formed a semi-circle, watching with wide eyes.

Gerald sniffed the closest child, a girl with dark braids, and huffed. She giggled. He leaned his head toward her, and she reached up slowly, placing her palm on his nose.

“He’s soft,” she breathed.

The other children crowded closer, all wanting to touch him. Gerald stood still while tiny hands patted his woolly sides.

Willa caught my eye and smiled.

“Alright everyone,” Ms. Collins called out. “Let’s let Gerald rest and move to our first station. Betty, could you corral your group and take them to Station 2? Bill, you’re with the third group, at Station 3. Jenson, take your group to Station 4.” She smiled my way. “The schedule you sent ahead is going to work very well. I can tell you put a lot of thought into it.”

While Betty took her group to the first station, Brovish led Gerald back into his pasture and latched the gate.

One group gathered near the bloomback enclosure, and Willa and I joined them.

Rue and Fern stood together by the far fence, their flowers in full bloom. I’d never seen their colors this bright.

“These are bloombacks,” Willa said, her voice carrying easily. “Their names are Rue and Fern. Can anyone tell me what’s special about them?”